Doha: The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has announced the launch of the book entitled Implementation of Recycled Aggregate in Construction in a special ceremony held yesterday at Doha international Book Fair.
The use of recycled aggregate in Qatar and the Gulf region is relatively new, and can make significant contribution to the vast infrastructure development witnessed over the last decade. Lack of experience with recycled aggregates in the aggressive conditions of the Gulf, particularly lack of long-term performance data, have raised concerns on the durability and long-term performance of recycled aggregate in service as compared to primary aggregates.
The purpose of the book is to support the government strategy of sustainable development through the effective implementation of recycled aggregates in construction. The Qatar National Vision 2030 reinforces sustainable development and places great emphasis on preserving and protecting the environment as one of four pillars of national development, alongside social, economic and human development.
With the vast investment made in infrastructure projects, the government set targets for the efficient use of natural resources, with a recycling target to use 20% of recycled aggregate to replace primary aggregate in government construction projects by 2022. Government initiatives for facilitating the implementation of recycling included the development of relevant standards and specifications, guidelines, and manuals that permit the use of recycled aggregate in various construction applications, and a consistent supply of recycled aggregates at regulated prices.
The approach adopted in the book is to use practical evidence, based on site data in real exposure conditions up to five years in service, for the performance assessment of recycled aggregates. Recycled and alternative aggregates were used to replace primary aggregate at different proportions is various construction applications of asphalt, concrete and unbound granular products.
The project team is delighted with the outcomes of the recycling implementation project that support the Qatar’s National Environment and Climate Change Strategy (QNE). The team acknowledges the support received from Minister of Environment and Climate Change H E Dr. Faleh bin Nasser Al Thani; Minister of Municipality H E Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaiei and President of the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) Dr. Saad bin Ahmed Al Muhannadi for their continuous encouragement for innovation and development.
